Back in late October, I had the pleasure of talking to Richard Ford about his new book, The Lay of the Land, which had just been released and for which he had begun a long book tour that continue  

(Excerpt from Larry Gross' work-in-progress The Hurricane Café: a Novel) My name is Tommy James. I know it's a strange name but it's what I'm stuck with. My last name can be my first; my firs  

When I catch up with Richard Ford by phone in Denver recently while promoting his new novel The Lay of the Land, I ask him if he enjoys book tours. "I always have," he says, laughing, "but I w  

I'm back at 810 Main St. downtown, working some hours at Elgin Office Equipment and doing this and that just like I did 33 years ago. It doesn't feel strange coming full circle. Somehow in the back  

Last week this column turned three years old. I've lost track of how many bus or bus stop stories I've written about over this period of time -- probably about 10 or so. You're about to get another  

Dear LOL Writer (I'm withholding your name, because I won't want to embarrass you -- trying to do you a favor. You can thank me later): Excuse me if I seem even grumpier than usual. As you well k  

On most Friday afternoons, you'll find my friend and me over at Madonna's on Seventh Street downtown during their cocktail hour. The service is friendly, the jukebox is solid and the drinks are reas  

I live in Clifton and usually take the 17 bus to Findlay Market, getting off at McMicken Avenue in Over-the-Rhine. On this particular afternoon, I stocked up on bananas, peaches, carrots, green pepp  

I've seen this guy walking around Clifton for maybe a month now. He's usually on the other side of the street, and I say to myself it can't possibly be him. Surely he's drunk himself to death by no  

Very soon I'll be coming up on five years living in Clifton's Gaslight District. For the most part, it's been an enjoyable time. I like living in a community that's very urban, has a lot of diversi